Philani Mavundla, former deputy mayor of eThekwini and leader of the Abantu Batho Congress (ABC), has told eThekwini councillors they should resign over the shameful situation in the city.
Large areas of the city have come to a standstill because of striking municipal workers and water and electricity shortages.
Mavundla was announcing his candidature for KwaZulu-Natal premier in Umhlanga, north of Durban, and said if he was still the deputy mayor, the city would not be in a state of disarray and filth.
“These over 100 eThekwini councillors should resign because this is a shame that is happening right before their eyes. What kind of leader can preside over such an embarrassing situation?” Mavundla asked.
“These people are failing to engage with workers. They should have learned from me how to deal with strikes and workers.”
Mavundla said the core aim of the Congress, if it “takes over the province”, will be to prioritise road infrastructure because it has been neglected for a long time.
“I so wish the former MEC for transport in KZN, Sbu Ndebele, could come back because he was the last MEC who did a good job in that department,” he said.
Mavundla said he regrets the day he hired eThekwini city manager Musa Mbhele and blamed himself for the decision.
The ABC’s manifesto launch will be held at Durban Station on 13 April and later move to the city’s beaches to engage young people.
ABC deputy president Makhosi Khoza said if she were still part of eThekwini council, the city would not have reached this point.
“I hear that the EFF blames me for the return of the ANC in eThekwini, but I can tell you that if I were still part of that council, I would have held the heads of the city accountable,” she said.
Pictured above: ABC leaders during the announcement of their KZN Premier candidate on Thursday.
Image source: Celani Sikhakhane
